On May 6, 2025, the Museum of Natural Sciences in Brussels hosted a pivotal event on the transition towards agroecology and sustainable food systems in Africa, gathering leaders, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across Africa and Europe. The event was organized by SustainSahel with support from other Horizon 2020 sister projects including EWA-BELT, SustInAfrica, Soils4Africa, UPSCALE and HealthyFoodAfrica. In total, the results from 9 EU funded projects were presented and all projects made significant efforts in showcasing innovative research, capacity building, and policy alignment for agroecological transitions in Africa.
Cross-Project Collaboration and Horizon 2020 Impact
The gathering emphasized the interconnectedness of various Horizon 2020 initiatives. SustainSahel, with panelists like Hadja Sanon and Harun Cicek, highlighted the role of shrub foliage in livestock husbandry and sustainable soil-livestock interactions. Likewise, EWA-BELT, represented by Yelemou Barthelemy, showcased efforts in agro-silvopastoral systems, bridging Mediterranean and sub-Saharan agricultural ecosystems. These collaborations illustrate the tangible impact of Horizon 2020 research: integrated agroecological approaches that respond to regional needs while contributing to global sustainability goals.
Highlights from Keynote Speakers
Keynote speakers were Beate Huber the Vice-Chair of the Management Board and Head of international Cooperation at FiBL, Abebe Haile-Gabriel the Assistant Director-General of FAO for Africa, and Marion Michaud a Policy Analyst at the European Commission’s Directorate for International Partnerships. Beate opened the day with scientific insights on transitioning to organic and agroecological systems in Africa, based on her extensive fieldwork and policy experience, whereas Abebe expanded on how agroecology contributes to the FAO’s “Four Betters” — better production, nutrition, environment, and life — with an emphasis on leaving no one behind. Marion concluded with a compelling policy perspective, linking agroecology to EU-Africa partnerships and sustainable food systems.
SustInAfrica’s Contributions
SustInAfrica has been at the forefront of advancing sustainable intensification of agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. At this event, Adam Standring, an environmental social scientist and WP4 coordinator responsible for training, education, and capacity building within SustInAfrica, joined the session on Agrobiodiversity strategies for improved food security, diversity and nutrition. His input underscored the project’s emphasis on inclusive knowledge systems, interdisciplinary approaches, and fostering local innovation ecosystems through education and institutional strengthening. Olfa Boussadia, a senior agronomist at the Olive Institute of Tunisia and national coordinator for several EU projects, joined the panel on Climate Resilient Production Systems. Her contribution highlighted the tangible benefits of agroecological practices in Mediterranean environments, particularly in olive farming under climate induced stress conditions. Paul Wagstaff of Self Help Africa, offered a practitioner’s lens during the session on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Job Creation, grounded in decades of hands-on experience. As the Head of SHA’s Global Technical Advisory and Research Team, Paul contributes to SustInAfrica’s mission by aligning technical expertise with community engagement strategies.
Conclusion
The event served as a vital platform for showcasing how Horizon 2020 projects like SustInAfrica are driving systemic change in African agriculture. The collaborations, discussions, and evidence shared not only demonstrated progress but also set a firm foundation for future policies and innovations that are both climate-resilient and socially inclusive. SustInAfrica’s presence at this event was not only about representation but also about influence. The project effectively linked science, policy, and practice; from addressing resilience, to knowledge systems, or economic empowerment, each session underscored SustInAfrica’s commitment to fostering sustainable and equitable agricultural transitions.